Structural Movement & Brick Tie Failure

In many older Montreal buildings, bulging brick walls are often linked to the deterioration or absence of proper brick ties. Brick veneer walls rely on concealed metal ties to anchor the exterior masonry wythe to the structural backing. These ties play a critical role in maintaining wall stability, resisting outward movement, and accommodating natural thermal and moisture-related expansion.

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Over decades of exposure to moisture infiltration, one of the most common structural issues encountered is brick tie corrosion. Traditional steel ties are vulnerable to rust when repeatedly exposed to water. As corrosion progresses, ties lose their structural capacity, eventually weakening or completely failing. When ties deteriorate, the exterior brickwork gradually loses lateral support, increasing the risk of displacement, cracking, and wall bulging.

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In some historic structures, the problem is even more pronounced. Older construction methods did not always incorporate modern anchoring systems. In many early masonry buildings, installers sometimes relied on improvised fastening techniques, including nails or basic mechanical fixings rather than engineered brick ties. These methods provided limited long-term structural reliability, particularly under Montreal’s freeze-thaw conditions.

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Why Brick Ties Are Critical

Brick ties serve several essential functions:​

 

• Anchor the masonry veneer to the structural wall
• Resist lateral wind loads
• Control outward wall movement
• Accommodate differential expansion
• Stabilize long-term masonry behavior

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Without adequate ties, brick walls become vulnerable to progressive structural movement.